Dispensing device

ABSTRACT

A dispensing device includes a container that elevates slightly at an inclined end so that at least one substantially cylindrical container is urged to roll to an opening at a dispensing end of the container. Each individual cylindrical container within the container is continuously forwarded to an opening in the dispensing end, due to the gravitational pull created by the incline. A base surface provides a foundation for the container to rest on a ground surface. A protruding portion folds out from the base surface on the inclined end to form the incline. Two terminal portions on the protruding portion fold inwardly and enter into at least one slot to form a more stable U-shaped base for supporting the inclined end.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to dispensers. More particularly, the invention relates to a container that inclines at an inclined end to urge a cylindrical container to roll to an opening at a dispensing end.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that a dispenser is something that doles out an item. A dispenser usually has a storage area, and a dispensing area for providing access to the item.

Typically, a beverage can is a metal container designed to hold a fixed portion of liquid such as a carbonated soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, teas, tisanes, energy drinks, and the like. The beverage can is a substantially twelve ounce cylindrical shape shaped to roll down an incline.

In many instances, an inclined plane is a flat supporting surface tilted at an angle, with one end higher than the other, used as an aid for raising or lowering a load. Inclined planes are widely used in the form of loading ramps to load and unload goods on trucks, ships, and planes. Gravity helps the load roll down the inclined plane.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary dispensing device dispensing an exemplary cylindrical container, where FIG. 1A illustrates at least one substantially cylindrical container rolling down an inclined base surface, and FIG. 1B illustrates at least one substantially cylindrical container available for dispensing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary base surface of an exemplary container, where FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary base surface, and FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary protruding portion folding up from the base surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary protruding portion and exemplary two terminal portions, where FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary two terminal portions folding to form a substantially U-shaped base, and FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary two terminal portions entering at least one slot in the base surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary container inclined from an upper inclined end to a lower dispensing end, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application. Moreover, the prescribed method steps of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using any physical and/or hardware system that those skilled in the art will readily know is suitable in light of the foregoing teachings. For any method steps described in the present application that can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular tangible means of implementation.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

There are various types of dispensers that may be provided by preferred embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing device may elevate slightly at an inclined end so that at least one substantially cylindrical container is urged to roll to an opening at a dispensing end of the container. The inclined end tilts at a slight angle sufficient to allow the specific weight, size, and dimension of the stored cylindrical container to roll to the dispensing end. In one embodiment, each individual cylindrical container within the container may automatically and continuously be forwarded to an opening in the dispensing end, and due to the gravitational pull created by the incline of its placement, allow each individual cylindrical container to be easily accessed until the entire container is empty. In this manner, each cylindrical container is always readily available at the dispensing end for facilitated access to the at least one substantially cylindrical container. It is contemplated that a multiplicity of suitable items may be dispensed by some embodiments of the present invention including, without limitation, soda cans, beer cans, juice cans, beverage bottles, salami rolls, chip dip containers, and virtually any round item stored in a dispensing container such as but not limited to a Fridge Pack.

In some embodiments, the container may include a base surface for providing a substantially flat surface to support the dispensing device. The base surface may include a planar surface, whereby the dispensing device may rest flat on a ground surface. In some embodiments, the base surface may include a protruding portion that extends at a substantially perpendicular angle to the base portion. The protruding portion may include a flat, planar section that folds out from the base portion. The protruding portion may comprise the same material as the base portion. However, in another embodiment, the protruding portion may be a separate piece that attaches to the base portion in proximity to the inclined end. The protruding portion may be operable to fold at two terminal ends, which may be creased or perforated for facilitated folding. In some embodiments the protruding portion may be automated. The two terminal ends may provide more stable support for the dispensing device in the inclined position. In some embodiments, the base surface may include at least one slot for receiving the folded terminal ends. In this manner, the protruding portion may be shaped to form a substantially U-shaped inclined support with the terminal ends securely joined with the inclined end. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that beverage cans in a rectangular cardboard container may not be accessible after the first few cans are obtained. The remaining cans may rest in the center or on an inaccessible end of the container. A slight tilt towards the dispensing opening allows all the cans to be readily accessed. In some embodiments a small vibrating device may be included, without limitation, in the container to help urge cans toward the dispensing end or to dislodge cans that may have become stuck in the container.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary dispensing device dispensing an exemplary cylindrical container, where FIG. 1A illustrates at least one substantially cylindrical container rolling down an inclined base surface, and FIG. 1B illustrates at least one substantially cylindrical container available for dispensing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the dispensing device may include a container 100 that elevates slightly at an inclined end 104 so that at least one substantially cylindrical container 102 is urged to roll to an opening 108 at a dispensing end 106 of the container. The container may include a substantially rectangular cardboard box configured to contain the at least one substantially cylindrical container, and having a thickness of 0.01″. Some embodiments may be made of a multiplicity of suitable materials including, without limitation, various plastics, Plexiglas, fiberglass, paper, wood, etc. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the at least one substantially cylindrical container may be slippery and difficult to grasp from the center or rear of the container, especially for a user with mobility, grip and/or reach limitations. The facilitated access may also help prevent canned beverages from being accidentally shaken and disturbed by being sought from a half-empty container. In some embodiments, the dispensing end may be perforated, whereby an upper section of the dispensing end may be removed to expose the opening that provides access to each cylindrical container.

In one embodiment, the inclined end may tilt at a slight angle sufficient to allow the specific weight, size, and dimension of the stored cylindrical container to roll or slide to the dispensing end. The at least one substantially cylindrical container may include, without limitation, at least one beverage can. It is contemplated that various different types of containers in a multiplicity of suitable sizes may be dispensed from some embodiments such as, but not limited to, round, spherical, oval, or oblong shapes, beverage bottles, and virtually any shape that may roll. In one embodiment, each individual cylindrical container within the container may automatically and continuously be forwarded to an opening in the dispensing end, and due to the gravitational pull created by the incline of its placement, allow each individual cylindrical container to be easily accessed until the entire container is empty. In this manner, each cylindrical container is always readily available at the dispensing end for facilitated access to the at least one substantially cylindrical container. In some embodiments, the at least one substantially cylindrical container may position in the container in two rows of six, or three rows of four canned beverages. However, in other embodiments, other configurations may be allowed, including, without limitation, twelve pack, eighteen pack, and twenty-four pack formats.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary base surface of an exemplary container, where FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary base surface, and FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary protruding portion folding up from the base surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the container may include a base surface 200 for providing a substantially flat surface to support the dispensing device. The base surface may include a planar surface, whereby the dispensing device may rest flat on a ground surface. In some embodiments, the base surface may include a protruding portion 202 that extends at a substantially perpendicular angle to the base portion. The protruding portion may include a flat, planar section that folds out from the base portion having a thickness of 0.015″. The protruding portion may comprise the same material as the base portion. However, in another embodiment, the protruding portion may be a separate piece that attaches to the base portion in proximity to the inclined end. The protruding portion may be operable to fold at two terminal ends 204. A diagonal crease may help facilitate the fold. The two terminal ends may provide more stable support for the dispensing device in the inclined position. In one embodiment of the present invention, the protruding portion may be a part of the container, with a perforation design. The protruding portion may be operable to be pulled directly from the container. In some embodiments, a small aperture may position in the base surface where the protruding portion folds out from. In some embodiments, the base surface may include at least one slot 206 for receiving the folded terminal ends. The at least one slot may position beneath the protruding portion when the protruding section rests flat against the base surface. The at least one slot may orient in a diagonal direction relative to the corners of the base surface.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary protruding portion and exemplary two terminal portions, where FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary two terminal portions folding to form a substantially U-shaped base, and FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary two terminal portions entering at least one slot in the base surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the base surface may include at least one slot for receiving the folded terminal ends. In this manner, the protruding portion may be shaped to form a substantially U-shaped inclined support with the terminal ends securely joined with the inclined end.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary container inclined from an upper inclined end to a lower dispensing end, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a gravitational force may help urge the at least one substantially cylindrical container form the inclined end to the dispensing end. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that beverage cans in a rectangular cardboard container may not be accessible after the first few cans are obtained. The remaining cans may rest in the center or on an inaccessible end of the container. A slight tilt towards the dispensing opening allows all the cans to be readily accessed.

In one alternative embodiment, the dispensing device may be sized and dimensioned to function as a 20′ cargo container, whereby the cargo load is unloaded by elevating the inclined end. In yet another alternative embodiment, the protruding member may retract inside the container, and automatically extend by remote control. In yet another alternative embodiment, the container may be configured to hold twenty ounce bottles of beverages, rather than cans.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

It is noted that according to USA law 35 USC §112 (1), all claims must be supported by sufficient disclosure in the present patent specification, and any material known to those skilled in the art need not be explicitly disclosed. However, 35 USC §112 (6) requires that structures corresponding to functional limitations interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) must be explicitly disclosed in the patent specification. Moreover, the USPTO's Examination policy of initially treating and searching prior art under the broadest interpretation of a “mean for” claim limitation implies that the broadest initial search on 112(6) functional limitation would have to be conducted to support a legally valid Examination on that USPTO policy for broadest interpretation of “mean for” claims. Accordingly, the USPTO will have discovered a multiplicity of prior art documents including disclosure of specific structures and elements which are suitable to act as corresponding structures to satisfy all functional limitations in the below claims that are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) when such corresponding structures are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification. Therefore, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, yet do exist in the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of USPTO searching, Applicant(s) incorporate all such functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material herein by reference for the purpose of providing explicit structures that implement the functional means claimed. Applicant(s) request(s) that fact finders during any claims construction proceedings and/or examination of patent allowability properly identify and incorporate only the portions of each of these documents discovered during the broadest interpretation search of 35 USC §112 (6) limitation, which exist in at least one of the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of normal USPTO searching and or supplied to the USPTO during prosecution. Applicant(s) also incorporate by reference the bibliographic citation information to identify all such documents comprising functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material as listed in any PTO Form-892 or likewise any information disclosure statements (IDS) entered into the present patent application by the USPTO or Applicant(s) or any 3^(rd) parties. Applicant(s) also reserve its right to later amend the present application to explicitly include citations to such documents and/or explicitly include the functionally corresponding structures which were incorporate by reference above.

Thus, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims, that are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, Applicant(s) have explicitly prescribed which documents and material to include the otherwise missing disclosure, and have prescribed exactly which portions of such patent and/or non-patent documents should be incorporated by such reference for the purpose of satisfying the disclosure requirements of 35 USC §112 (6). Applicant(s) note that all the identified documents above which are incorporated by reference to satisfy 35 USC §112 (6) necessarily have a filing and/or publication date prior to that of the instant application, and thus are valid prior documents to incorporated by reference in the instant application.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a multi-piece garment that attaches with fasteners and exposes a part of a body according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the multi-piece garment that attaches with fasteners and exposes a part of a body may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the multi-piece garment that attaches with fasteners and exposes a part of a body described in the foregoing were principally directed to hospital gowns that allowed for exposure of specific body parts by detaching buttons and tie-strings implementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to fashionable garments that provide a fresh fashion statement with detachable sections of the garment, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a container, said container being configured to dispense at least one substantially cylindrical shaped container from an inclined position, said container comprising a dispensing end, said dispensing end being configured to provide access to said at least one substantially cylindrical container, said container further comprising an inclined end, said inclined end being configured to incline said container towards said dispensing end, said inclined end comprising a base surface, said base surface comprising a protruding portion, said protruding portion being configured to extend form said inclined end for creating an increased elevation.
 2. The device of claim 1, in which said container comprises a substantially rectangular box.
 3. The device of claim 1, in which said container comprises a cardboard material.
 4. The device of claim 1, in which said container comprises a 0.01″ thickness.
 5. The device of claim 1, in which said at least one substantially cylindrical container comprises at least one beverage can.
 6. The device of claim 4, wherein said at least one beverage can is disposed to position inside said container in two rows of six beverage cans.
 7. The device of claim 1, in which said dispensing end comprises an opening for accessing said at least one substantially cylindrical container.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein said inclined end is disposed to elevate above said dispensing end.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein said protruding portion is operable to pivot out from said base surface to form a substantially perpendicular angle with said base surface.
 10. The device of claim 1, in which said protruding portion comprises the same material as said base surface.
 11. The device of claim 1, in which said protruding portion comprises a 0.015″ thickness, said protruding portion further comprising a material having greater density than said container for supporting the weight of said at least one substantially cylindrical container.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein said protruding portion extends from said base surface to form a rectangular shape along a terminal edge of said base surface.
 13. The device of claim 1, in which said protruding portion comprises two terminal portions.
 14. The device of claim 1, in wherein said two terminal portions fold inwardly to form a substantially U-shaped base for enhanced stability.
 15. The device of claim 1, in which said base surface comprises at least one slot.
 16. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one slot is disposed to position on said base surface in alignment with said inwardly folded two terminal portions.
 17. The device of claim 1, wherein said two terminal portions are disposed to at least partially enter said at least one slot.
 18. The device of claim 1, in which said protruding portion is operable to be reusable from an extended position and a flat storage position.
 19. A device comprising: means for positioning at least one substantially cylindrical container in a container; means for extending a protruding portion from a base surface of said container; means for folding two terminal ends of said protruding portion inwardly to form a substantially U-shaped base; means for at least partially positioning said two terminal ends in at least one slot; means for inclining said container towards a dispensing end; and means for said at least one substantially cylindrical container to roll towards said dispensing end.
 20. A device consisting of: a container, said container comprising a substantially rectangular cardboard box, said container comprising a 0.01″ thickness, said container being configured to dispense at least one substantially cylindrical shaped container from an inclined position, said at least one substantially cylindrical container comprising at least one beverage can, said at least one beverage can being disposed to position inside said container in two rows of six beverage cans, said container comprising a dispensing end, said dispensing end comprising an opening, said dispensing end being configured to provide access to said at least one substantially cylindrical container, said container further comprising an inclined end, said inclined end being disposed to elevate above said dispensing end, said inclined end being configured to incline said container towards said dispensing end, said inclined end comprising a base surface, said base surface comprising a protruding portion, said protruding portion being configured to extend form said inclined end for creating an increased elevation, said protruding portion comprising a 0.015″ thickness, said protruding portion further comprising a material having greater density than said container for supporting the weight of said at least one substantially cylindrical container, said protruding portion comprising two terminal portions, said two terminal portions being configured to fold inwardly to form a substantially U-shaped base for enhanced stability, said base surface further comprising at least one slot, said at least one slot being disposed to position on said base surface in alignment with said inwardly folded two terminal portions, said two terminal portions are disposed to at least partially enter said at least one slot. 